Fort McMurray Area Update

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH north of Lake Athabasca and HIGH south of Lake Athabasca within the Fort McMurray Forest Area.

Please be very cautious when spending time outdoors, as conditions are dry and windy. Wildfires can ignite easily and spread quickly. 

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

The forecasted fire danger map is updated daily around 3 pm.

CONTROLLED BURNS

A controlled burn is planned this week in areas of Morgan Heights and Harpe Heights to reduce the wildfire risk to those Timberlea neighbourhoods.

Led by trained staff from Regional Emergency Services and Alberta Wildfire, controlled burns only happen when conditions are safe to do so. Crews are planning to conduct the burns on Thursday, Oct. 19 if weather conditions permit.

Smoke and controlled fire may be visible during this, but it is not a cause for concern.

Normally conducted in spring, controlled burning was halted this year due to the provincial fire ban in early May. Taking advantage of warmer than normal weather conditions this month, trained teams hope to address this area now.

Stay away from burning activity; keep windows closed

People should avoid areas during burning activity to allow crews to safely do their work. Trail access will also be temporarily interrupted.

Signs will be placed in the area to remind residents of planned burns. While every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts, people living nearby should keep their windows closed.

Anyone with questions or concerns should contact Pulse online or call 780-743-7000.

To view the RMWB website, click here.

SMOKY CONDITIONS

Due to the numerous wildfires in western Canada, smoky conditions will continue. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Before travelling check 511 Alberta for information the latest road conditions or closures. Visit Fire Smoke Canada to see where the smoke is coming from. To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

FORT MCMURRAY WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 there have been 60 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area, burning a total of approximately 364,359 hectares (ha). 

MWF025 was detected May 28 and is located approximately 7 km north of Fort Chipewyan. This wildfire is classified as being held and is approximately 105,251 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

MWF043 was detected on June 30 and is approximately 20 km southeast of Fort Fitzgerald. This wildfire is classified as being held and is approximately 130,805 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning. 

This wildfire is not currently moving any closer to Fort Smith or Fort Fitzgerald. 

Mutual-aid wildfires:

Wood Buffalo Complex (MNZ003) was originally a wildfire in Wood Buffalo National Park that crossed Alberta and Northwest Territories borders. This wildfire is now classified as being held. Click here, for the most recent update.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

ON ALERT

Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters are assessing potential wildfire sightings, ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

Wildland firefighters urge everyone to be extremely cautious when out in the Forest Protection Area. Check your winter burns, and comply with fire bans and OHV restrictions.

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

Remember to check Alberta Fire Bans for fire advisories, bans or restrictions in your area or destination. If you are camping in a provincial or national park, check the rules and guidelines and be sure to follow them for your safety and the safety of other campers.

Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring.

They are required to:

• be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire
• have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving
• have enough water on hand to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas.

Always let the fire burn down before you plan to extinguish it. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt and stir. Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch. You should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

OHV SAFETY

If you plan on riding OHVs in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, you can reduce the risk of your vehicle causing a wildfire by following these simple steps:

• Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
• After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
• Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
• Wash your OHV and keep it clean; do not wash in streams and creeks.
• Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
• Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it is extinguished.

For more information, see Off-highway vehicles: Wildfire prevention tips.

EXPLODING TARGETS AND FIREWORKS

The Forest and Prairie Protection Act and associated regulations applies to the shooting, ignition or detonation of exploding targets and fireworks on public lands and private lands located within the FPA.

A Forest Officer from the local forest area office may grant written permission to shoot, ignite or detonate exploding targets or fireworks in the FPA. Written permission of exploding targets and fireworks is based on current wildfire danger and managed on a case-by-case basis.

A fire advisory, restriction, ban or forest closure may prohibit or limit use of exploding targets and fireworks during high wildfire hazard situations within the FPA. Check Alberta Fire Bans or download the Alberta Fire Bans app for the latest information.

WILDFIRE DASHBOARD

The wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.

CONTACT

Websites:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation

Social media:

Join the conversation on

Apps:

Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android and Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.